What is the purpose of eye exams?
Eye exams are a necessary to ensure proper eye health. Eye exams are the preventive measures taken that let you and your eye doctor know if something is wrong.
Eye exams are the best ways to protect your vision because any eye problems will almost always be detected in the early stages, which is when they are most treatable. If you have regular eye exams, your eye care professional will monitor your eye health and will also help correct any vision problems.
You can also receive tips from an eye care professional about how you can reduce strain on your eyes and how to care for your eyes.
Who conducts eye exams?
There are three types of eye specialists that may perform your eye exam.
Ophthalmologist
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who provides full eye care. This may include conducting a complete eye exam, prescribing eye glasses or contact lenses, diagnosing and treating problems and diseases of the eye, and performing surgery.
Optometrist
An optometrist will provide many of the same services as an ophthalmologist, except treating complex eye problems and performing surgeries. An optometrist will be able to evaluate your vision, prescribe contact lenses or eye glasses, diagnose common eye problems, and treat certain eye disease with medication.
Optician
An optician is the person who fills prescriptions for glasses. This includes assembling, fitting, and selling them. An optician can also sell and fit contact lenses if trained to do so.
The specialist that is best for you may depend on your personal preference or it may depend on the type of eye care you need.
How do eye exams work?
An eye exam will include a series of tests performed by your eye specialist that will evaluate your vision. These tests will also check for diseases. These tests are not painful, but you may be nervous if it’s your first time.
Your eye doctor will first ask about your medical history and any vision problems. Your eye doctor will check your eyes with a light to make sure they are functioning properly. You visual acuity will be tested and your eyes will be examined for disease. Also, your need for eye glasses or contacts will be assessed.
A technician who assists your eye doctor may take your medical history and perform the initial eye test, similar to a dental hygienist who assists as dentist and does the primary work.
How can I prepare for eye exams?
It is important to be prepared for an eye exam, especially if you are visiting a new eye doctor or having your very first exam. The answers to following questions that your eye doctor may ask will help him understand your vision problems. They will also help in diagnosing any conditions you may have.
– Are you currently experiencing any eye problems?
– Have you experienced any eye problems in the past?
– Do you wear glasses or contacts now? Are you having any trouble with them?
– What serious health problems have you had recently?
– Are you taking any medication?
– Do you have any allergies to food, medication, or anything else?
– Do you have a family history of eye problems such as cataracts or glaucoma?
– Do you have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or any other health issues that can affect the entire body?
Bring your contact lenses and eye glasses to the appointment if you wear them, particularly if you need a new prescription. This will help your eye doctor to determine if you are wearing the best prescription. You will probably need to remove your contacts or glasses for many of the tests, so bring cases and solution as appropriate.